Fact 1: June 12 Marks the Start of International Cucumber Day
This might come as a surprise, but June 12 is celebrated worldwide as International Cucumber Day. The cool and crisp vegetable that's actually a fruit is celebrated with everything from cucumber-themed parties to cool cocktails. It’s a great day to enjoy cucumbers in your salads, sandwiches, or just on their own!
Fact 2: A Memorable U.S Presidential Prediction
On June 12, 1987, President Ronald Reagan made his famous "Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!" speech in West Berlin. Though it did not literally cause the Berlin Wall's dismantling, it is nevertheless recognized as a true prediction of the events that took place just two years later.
Fact 3: A Divination Day in Russia
In Russia, June 12 is a folk holiday known as Ivan Kupala Day. It's believed that if you collect fern flowers on this night, you will gain the ability to understand animal language. Moreover, it is said that the one who finds a blossoming fern flower will be rich and happy forever.
Fact 4: An Antiquated Day of Fasting
In the past, June 12th was a day of fasting in the Roman Catholic tradition. It's the feast day of Saint Onuphrius, an Egyptian hermit and monk who lived a life of strict penance and fasting.
Fact 5: Significance in Philippine History
June 12 is an important date in the Philippines as it marks the country's Independence Day. This day commemorates the Philippine Declaration of Independence from Spain, which took place on June 12, 1898.
Fact 6: Television History Made
On June 12, 2009, all full-power television stations in the United States ceased broadcasting over the air programming in analog format and switched to digital format. This marked a significant shift in television viewing experience.
Fact 7: Record Breaking Para-Soccer Goal
June 12, 2010, marks the day when Irish captain Kieran Behan scored the fastest goal in the world record in para-soccer. The goal was scored in just 2.02 seconds after the beginning of the World Cup match!
Fact 8: Flag Day for Five U.S. States
Five states in the USA celebrate their state flag days on June 12. These states include Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Arkansas, and Kentucky. It's a day to honor their unique state flags and histories.
Fact 9: An Exciting Day for Video Game Lovers
In recent years, June 12 has become an exciting day for video game enthusiasts as the Electronic Entertainment Expo often opens around this date. The event showcases new products and video games from tech giants, drawing the attention of gamers worldwide.
Fact 10: A Day of Mourning in Orlando, Florida
In remembrance of the terrible shooting that occurred at the Pulse nightclub in 2016, June 12 is now known as 'Orlando United Day — A Day of Love and Kindness.'
Fact 11: Significance in the Soviet Space Program
On June 12, 1967, Venera Program: Venera 4 was launched by the Soviet Union. This was the first successful probe to perform in-place analysis of the environment of another planet, Venus.
Fact 12: A Milestone in Baseball History
This day in 1939 marked the inauguration of the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York. This was a significant event in the history of American sports.
Fact 13: A Big Day for Superhero Fans
On June 12, 2013, "Man of Steel", directed by Zack Snyder and starring Henry Cavill as Superman, premiered in New York. This was a big day for all superhero fans around the world.
Fact 14: A Surprising Cold Day in Texas
On June 12, 1919, Texas experienced its latest snowfall on record. The unexpected snowfall in Dalhart remains a matter of interest for weather buffs and historians.
Fact 15: The Origin of the World Day Against Child Labour
June 12 has been marked as the World Day Against Child Labour since 2002 when the International Labour Organisation launched it to focus attention on the global extent of child labour and the efforts needed to eradicate it.
Fact 16: Hitchcock’s Infamous Premiere
On June 12, 1963, Alfred Hitchcock's psychological thriller 'The Birds' premiered in Germany. Based on a story by Daphne Du Maurier, this film is still considered a masterpiece of suspense.
Fact 17: A Magic Day in Basketball
Basketball fans remember June 12, 1984, when the NBA Draft took place and the Chicago Bulls selected Michael Jordan as the third overall pick. This moment changed basketball history as Jordan would go on to become one of the greatest players of all time.
Fact 18: A Peculiar British Tradition
June 12 in Britain often falls during the traditional ‘beating the bounds’ period, an old custom where community members walk their parish boundaries to familiarize themselves with their lands and pray for protection and blessings.
Fact 19: The Publication of an Iconic Novel
June 12, 1922, was the day that Hermann Hesse's spiritual novel "Siddhartha" was first published. The novel's profound impact on readers worldwide has made it a timeless piece of literature.
Fact 20: Broadway Lights Going Out
On June 12, 1911, for the first time in history, the lights of Broadway in New York City were completely extinguished. The city was saving energy given the shortage of electricity during the sweltering summer.